Moistening device for gummed surfaces



Aug. 14, 1951 G. E. ATHANS MOISTENING DEVICE FOR GUMMED SURFACES I Filed Sept. 20, 1947 IN V EN TOR. eorge E l 3126122 Patented Aug. 14, 1951 MOISTENING DEVICE FOR GUMMED SURFACES George E. Athans, New York, N. Y.

Application September 20, 1947, Serial No. 775,323

2 Claims. (01. -133) My invention is an improvement in moistening devices, and particularly a device carrying a brush or the like and comprising a member constituting a holder and reservoir for liquidby which the brush is kept in a wetted condition, so that a film of the liquid can be spread over the gummed surfaces of the flaps of paper envelopes, postage stamps and other articles.

An important object of the invention is to provide a device of the kind mentioned in a form to be carried about in the owner's pocket, or adapted to be conveniently placed on a table or 'desk, within easy reach.

A further object is to provide a suitable stand or support for the moistening device when it is kept on a desk or table, to prevent loss or mis placement. Another object is to provide a moistening device comprising a reservoir for liquid and con- An additional object is to provide a device of I the kind mentioned that is eflicient in operation,

simple in construction, easy and inexpensive to produce, and attractive in appearance.

The nature and advantages of the invention are made clear in the following description and accompanying drawings. While a preferred form of the invention is illustrated herein, I do not wish to be limited to the specific structure thereof, for I may resort to variations in many respects without departing from the essential characteristics by which the invention is distinguished.

On the drawings,

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of my invention mounted in a stand or rack therefor.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section through the moistening device.

Figure 3 is a view mostly in longitudinal section showing all the separate parts of the device in detached positions.

Figure 4 illustrates in side elevation another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 presents a detail of the device shown on Fig. 4;

Figure 6 is a longitudinal section of a further modification; and

Figure 7 is a side view of bristles and a holder therefor used with said modification. 4

The appliance comprises a combined brush holder and reservoir in the form of a cylindrical body I which contains an absorbent element 2, enveloped by an open-ended tube or sleeve 3.

The element 2 is preferably a piece of sponge, and it is so disposed in the tube 3 as to project slightly at both ends. In one extremity of the body I is a cup-shaped member made up of a ring 4, with several fingers 5 projecting in one direction from the plane thereof for gripping a tuft of bristles constituting a brush 6. This extremity of the body I and the brush 6 are adapted to be covered by a cap I, having internal threads '8 to enable the cap to be screwed upon said extremity, which is shoulder threaded at 9. This member fits snugly into said extremity of the body I and the bottom of the member, consisting of the ring 4 is of course open, as indicated at II).

The body I is filled with Water, which of course permeates the absorbent element 2 and seeps into the bristles of the brush 6. This brush of course projects from the body I when the cap I is removed, and the appliance can then be utilized to moisten any surface which needs wetting. When the device is inverted to utilize the brush '6, the

element 2 and its enveloping tube of course drop down against the member holding the bristles;

and the end of the element 2 virtually closes the opening II) but makes contact with the inner ends of the bristles and keeps the brush moistureladen by capillary action. When the body is filled, the element 2 prevents the liquid. from flowing too fast into the brush; and when the water gets low in the reservoir, there is still enough liquid in the element 2 to maintain the brush 6 in operative condition; More water than needed to soak the element 2 can be poured'into the body I, and the band 3 can be heavy enough to cause the part 2 to drop whenever the end with the brush is lowered.

In Figure 4 the cap I I has a milled bead I2 at the end to facilitate unscrewing, and carries a holding clip I3 to permit the appliance to be carried in the pocket of a garment, like a pen or pencil. In Figures 1, 2 and 3, the end opposite the brush 6 has a shouldered threaded section upon which is screwed a flat head I5, havin a hollow boss with inside threads I6. This head forms 'a base upon which the device can he stood when it is put down on a desk or table. In Figure 4, this base is replaced by a rounded plug or cap II.

Figure 1 shows a rack for mounting the appliance, consisting of a base It upon which is an upright post I9 with a yoke 20 at the upper end. The device is secured to the rack by a chain 2| affixed to the base Hand to a projection 22 on the body I. The appliance hangs in between the arms of the yoke, with the projection above the arms thereof, and can easily be lifted for use.

The tuft of bristles making up the brush 6 is encircled by a band 23 to prevent spreading. The top ends of the fingers 5 are bent over outward, as indicated at 24. The top ends 24 may be disposed so as to be on line 25 sloping to correspond to the pitch of the threads 3. These threads then engage the ends 214 when. the cap is attached, and prevent the cap from getting displaced, if the device should be inverted with the cap 1 attached. When the cap is unscrewed, the member holding the brush 6 will usually be tight enough in theend of the body and if it should ever come: off. with the cap 1, it can easily be pushed back into the body.

The device is therefore quite simple and can be manufactured at low cost. It is very easy to fill and use and well calculated to serve the pur-- poses for which it is intended.

: Thebodyl is. filled by unscrewingthefla-t head If: on the cap IT, andpouring water into the end closed by these parts. In Figure 4 the end bearing the cap. i1 is tapered as shown at la, so that when the cap H is removed: from the end bearing the bristles it can be placed on the opposite end over the smaller cap- 11, while' the brush is used. The broad cap Hi can be utilized to'press down a wetted, gummed part till it holds fast.

Figure 6 shows a device comprising a body I with a holder member 4 in one end gripping the tuft of bristles 6. This member hasfingers 5 projecting from: a ring-like base which has an opening through it as. indicated at In in Figure 2a; and the spaces between the fingers where they are connected to the ring are channeled as indicated at H]! to admit water around thebristles 6, as well as to the inner; ends. The fingers 5' are sprung outward so that when the member 3' is pushed intothe endof the body I- it fits tightly. See Figure '7. The body I hasv an inside rib. 411 against which the member 4 abuts. when. this member is in place.

The cap. 1' is without threads and. makes a friction. fit. with the end of the body. I carrying the bristles. This end is reduced to form a sloping outside shoulder lb with which the cap 1' makes contact. The sleeve 3' bearing the sponge 2 in this device is somewhat shorter and the threaded end M is taken to receive the cap [1 thereon.

Having described my invention, what I believe to be new is:

I 1.. A device'of the kind described comprising a cylindrical body with a chamber therein to contain a moistening liquid, a tubular sleeve therein containing an element to absorb said liquid, said sleeve with said element being free to move longitudinally in the body, a. retaining member fitting snugly into one extremity of the body, said memberhavirigfingers, a tuft of bristles in said member gripped by said fingers and projecting from said extremity, said fingers and said bristles extending in the same direction, said member being open at its inner end exposing said bristles, said element projecting from said sleeve towards said extremity to make contact with said member when said device islowered at said extremity and saidsleeve and element move towards said-memberyandremovable closures for said body.

2-. The device as described in claim 1 wherein the cylindrical body has a ribwithin it adjacent the extremity receiving said retaining member,

the latter seating against said rib. I

- G. E. ATHANS;

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of" record. in the file of this patent:

UNTIED STATES PATENTS 2,385,003 Katz Sept. 18., 194.5 

